Diabetes and Periodontal Disease — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

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EasyHuman DiseaseDiabetes and Periodontal DiseaseMFDS Part 1

An adult with persistently suboptimal glycaemic control asks which oral disease is more likely to develop and can itself interfere with glycaemic control. Which is the single best answer?

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Correct answer: B — Periodontitis

The correct answer is B, periodontitis. Sub-optimally controlled diabetes increases the risk of developing periodontitis and of progression of existing periodontal disease. The relationship is clinically bidirectional: periodontal inflammation can interfere with glycaemic control, while successful periodontal treatment may improve it. Dental caries and oral candidosis can occur in patients with diabetes but are not the specifically recognised bidirectional disease relationship described in the stem. Recurrent aphthous stomatitis and oral lichen planus are not established complications of poor glycaemic control. UK guidance therefore recommends regular oral health review, periodontal risk discussion and appropriate periodontal treatment for patients with diabetes.

Reference: Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme (SDCEP), Prevention and Treatment of Periodontal Diseases in Primary Care, 2nd edition, section: Control of diabetes, November 2025. https://www.periodontalcare.sdcep.org.uk/guidance/treatment-components/managing-risk-factors/modifiable-systemic-risk-factors/control-of-diabetes/